The Best Lipstick Shades That Make Your Teeth Look Whiter on Camera
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The Simple Trick to an Instantly Brighter On-Screen Smile
Webcams can be notoriously unflattering. They have a knack for washing out your skin, emphasizing shadows, and even seeming to highlight any natural warmth or yellowness in your teeth. But there’s a powerful and incredibly simple makeup artist secret to counteract this and brighten your on-screen smile instantly: choosing the right lipstick shade.
This isn’t magic; it’s a simple lesson in color theory. The hidden undertones in your lipstick can either clash with and amplify the yellow tones in your teeth, or they can work to cancel them out, creating the illusion of a brighter, whiter smile.
We’re breaking down the exact shades to look for—and the ones to avoid—to give your smile an instant boost of confidence on your next video call.
The Secret: It’s All About Blue Undertones
To understand this trick, you just need to remember the color wheel from art class.
A Quick Color Wheel Lesson
Colors that are positioned directly opposite each other on the color wheel have the power to visually cancel each other out. And what is yellow’s direct opposite? Blue and purple tones.
How It Works on Your Teeth
Any lipstick that has a subtle blue or cool undertone will work to visually neutralize any yellow tones present in your tooth enamel. Your brain perceives this color cancellation as a brighter, whiter effect. Conversely, lipsticks with strong yellow, orange, or warm undertones will do the opposite; they will pick up on and amplify any yellowness, making teeth appear more discolored, especially through the unforgiving lens of a webcam.
Your “Whiter Teeth” Lipstick Shopping Guide
Here’s a simple cheat sheet for your next trip to the makeup aisle.
The Best Reds: Go for Berry & Cherry
- Shades to Look For: True reds with a distinct blue base are your best friend. Think of a classic cherry red, a deep raspberry, or rich, cool-toned wine and berry shades.
- Shades to Avoid: Steer clear of reds that lean warm. Orangey-reds, brick reds, and coral-reds will work against you.
The Best Pinks: Think Cool & Bright
- Shades to Look For: Pinks with a clear cool or blue undertone are incredibly flattering. This includes bright fuchsia, deep magenta, and cool-toned mauves.
- Shades to Avoid: Warm pinks are the enemy of a white smile. Be wary of peachy pinks, salmon pinks, and coral pinks.
The Best Nudes: Tread Carefully
- Shades to Look For: This is the trickiest category. Look for nude lipsticks that lean more towards a rosy pink or have a slight mauve or taupe coolness to them.
- Shades to Avoid (The Worst Offenders): Very pale, concealer-like nudes can make your whole face look washed out. The biggest culprits, however, are nudes with strong peach or orange undertones, which are the most likely to make teeth appear yellow.
The Best Darks: Powerful Plums & Violets
- Shades to Look For: Rich plums, deep berries, and any shade with a visible violet or purple undertone are fantastic. The high contrast of a dark lip alone makes teeth look whiter, and the built-in blue/purple base enhances the effect even more.
- Shades to Avoid: Be careful with dark shades that have a warm, brown base, like a milk chocolate or a warm chestnut color.
A Quick Note on Lipstick Finish
A Touch of Shine Helps
A lipstick with a satin or slightly glossy finish can add to the brightening effect. The shine reflects light, which contributes to a brighter, healthier look for your whole smile. A very dry, flat matte finish won’t hurt if the undertone is correct, but it won’t provide this extra light-reflecting boost.
Smile With On-Screen Confidence
When in doubt, remember the golden rule: look for the “cool” or “blue” undertone in any lipstick family. It’s your secret weapon for a brighter on-camera smile.
This simple color theory trick is one of the fastest ways to boost your mental health and reduce anxiety before a video call. It’s a small, intentional detail that makes a big impact, ensuring your smile looks as bright and brilliant as you feel.
